Africans 

Living Gems of Tropical Seas

Happy angler presents a living gem before releasing it back into the ocean

Panama inshore fishing &  Marlin fishing

African Pompano, a fairly frequent catch, jigging or slow trolling nearshore over sandy bottom. I don’t recall one ever taking a surface popper, they will rise for a bonito strip for sure.

African Pompano another addition to a long list of frequently hooked species

See the white beach in the photograph background; that’s pompano territory. When pompano are swimming over white sand they are actively feeding, for sure.

When you spot them from the tower, you know the outrigger strip baits are about to get bit. 

African Pompano feeling free after meeting this happy couple in the cockpit of the JOKER

African Pompano look like their meat ought to be good to eat. Very clean white meat but pretty firm and don’t render much. Probably make good ceviche, but they are so pretty; better throwing them back.

Speaking of pretty…look at this lady! Her husband is an emergency room trauma surgeon.

African Pompano another exceptionally unique fish to hold, alive your hands before returning it back in the ocean.

This one obviously was caught over white sandy beach water. Maybe with a small Rapalla countdown, a Gotcha lure or very likely, a bonito strip.

Not a big Panama Bait strip made from a bonito belly,  smaller strips made from bonito fillets. 

We also catch Africans while jigging in deeper waters. When jigging over the rocks where we  drift baits for Cubera, anglers who jig will pick up all sorts of variety. Africans are a common catch

African Pompano in Panama: Threadfin Treasures of the Coast

African pompano (Alectis ciliaris), with their golden sheen and trailing fin filaments, are a coastal powerhouse that delivers fast action and fine dining. Native to Panama’s eastern Pacific waters, they’re a favorite for shore and boat anglers alike. From sandy beaches to deep reefs, here’s the scoop on chasing these speedy jacks around Isla Coiba and beyond.

Prime Habitats and Hotspots

• Nearshore Favorites: Often found over white sand bottoms near beaches with freshwater river outflows (like near Pedasi or Coiba’s bays). These brackish zones attract baitfish, making them ambush central.
• Deepwater Haunts: Jig over rocky structures or wrecks in 30-100 meters—spots like Coiba’s pinnacles or the Gulf of Panama yield big ones.
• Coiba Connection: Isla Coiba National Park is prime, with sightings in shallow bays and fringing reefs. Rainy season (May-November) boosts activity as rivers flush in nutrients.

Biology and Behavior Highlights

• Size and Speed: Grow to 1.3 meters (4 feet) and 25 kg (55 lbs), with juveniles sporting long “threads” for camouflage. Adults are silver-gold predators, feasting on shrimp, crabs, and small fish.
• Why They Fight Hard: Known for blistering runs and leaps—fights last 10-20 minutes, earning them the “rooster of the sea” nickname.
• Fun Fact: They’ve got a prehistoric vibe, with fin adaptations that mimic lures to fool predators.

Fishing Tips for Panama Anglers

• Techniques: Cast live bait or small jigs in shallow surf zones, or drop metal jigs (100-200g) over deep rocks—yo-yo retrieve for strikes.
• Gear and Seasons: Medium-heavy setups (20-40 lb line); target incoming tides. Best eating under 10 kg—grill or make ceviche!
• Regulations: In Coiba, secure permits and practice catch-and-release for sustainability.

African pompano add excitement to Panama’s inshore game—book a charter today and hook your own threadfin thrill! Contact Coiba Adventure marlinpanama.com for guided trips.